We do not reason ourselves into it.
-- W. B. Yeats
~
-"You inside and the wind outside, tangled on the window blind, tell
-me why you treated me so unkind. Down where the sun don't shine I'm lonely
-and I call your name, no place to go ain't that a shame...."
- -- J. Garcia
+You inside and the wind outside, tangled on the window blind, tell me why you
+treated me so unkind. Down where the sun don't shine I'm lonely and I call
+your name, no place to go ain't that a shame....
+ -- Jerry Garcia
~
The point of living, and of being an optimist, is to be foolish enough
to believe the best is yet to come.
That's assault, not leadership.
-- Dwight D. Eisenhower
~
-When elephants fight, only the grass gets hurt.
- -- Swahili Saying
+When elephants fight, only the grass gets hurt. -- Swahili Saying
~
Men who know the same things are not long the best company for each other.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson
recognize a mistake when you make it again.
-- Franklin P. Jones
~
-Nobody roots for Goliath.
- -- Wilt Chamberlain
+Nobody roots for Goliath. -- Wilt Chamberlain
~
(cat haiku)
Gentle pussy, bit
someone says, "my hand stinks because my butt stinks."
an inference you could draw:
that hand has probably been too close to that butt.
+~
+What Do We Mean by Bodhisattva?
+
+ Bodhi means enlightenment, the state devoid of all defects and endowed with
+all good qualities. Sattva refers to someone who has courage and confidence
+and who strives to attain enlightenment for the sake of all beings. Those who
+have this spontaneous, sincere wish to attain enlightenment for the ultimate
+benefit of all beings are called bodhisattvas. Through wisdom, they direct
+their minds to enlightenment, and through their compassion, they have concern
+for beings. This wish for perfect enlightenment for the sake of others is
+what we call bodhichitta, and it is the starting point on the path.
+~
+The Notion of Self
+
+ When we talk about the notion of self in Buddhism, it is important to bear
+in mind that there are different degrees or types. There are some types of
+sense of self which are not only to be cultivated but also to be reinforced
+and enhanced. For instance, in order to have a strong determination to seek
+buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings, one needs a very strong
+sense of confidence, which is based upon a sense of commitment and courage.
+This requires a strong sense of self. Unless one has that identity or sense
+of self, one will not be able to develop the confidence and courage to
+strongly seek this aim.
+ -- H.H. the Dalai Lama
+~
+Genuine peace of mind is rooted in affection and compassion. There is a very
+high level of sensitivity and feeling involved. So long as we lack inner
+discipline, an inner calmness of mind, then no matter what external facilities
+or conditions we may have, they will never give us the feeling of joy and
+happiness that we seek. On the other hand, if we possess this inner
+quality—that is, calmness of mind, a degree of stability within—then even
+if we lack various external facilities that are normally considered necessary
+for a happy and joyful life, it is still possible to live a happy and joyful
+life.
+ -- H.H. the Dalai Lama